Stable Hand

**Small Thoroughbred Stud looking for part time stable hands to work together. Nr Kelso, Scottish Borders.**

We’re recruiting for two stud hands to work together on a part time basis caring for our three thoroughbred broodmares, their foals and yearlings. And their Shetland companions. (No. of horses will fluctuate)
- Immediate start.
- Preferably self-employed (but will consider employed).
- Hours split am & pm.
- Current hrs 3.5 to 4 hrs/day (tbc once you start).
- Must drive.

Would suit friends/colleagues who already know each other or individual applicants.

We’re a small stud on a mainly arable farm near Kelso looking for two dedicated, experienced stable hands to care for our horses on a daily basis.

Role will change through the year. And hours will fluctuate accordingly.

**Weekdays**:
Immediately, we require approx 2 to 2.5 hours of work in the morning (for two people working together) to feed, check, groom, rug, and lead horses out to their field. And muck out and prep boxes.

And in the afternoon 1 to 1.5 hours (for two people) before sunset, to lead everyone in to their stables, feed, check and settle.

**Nights/Weekends**:
**Flexibility**:
Hours in a day per person likely to range from 2 hours in the height of summer (to check horses in the field and feed twice a day) to 4/5 hours in winter.

Would suit individuals looking to plan their work around the school run etc.

(if we find only one suitable applicant immediately then there will be help to work alongside you)

Pregnant mares generally will go away to covering studs to foal and for foal heat stallion cover. So, the number of horses at home will fluctuate through the season. There will be occasions when mares will foal at home, but not this year.

**Skills**:

- You should have worked with thoroughbreds, have experience with mares and foals and have worked with horses for at least 5 years.
- Fit and able for mucking out (straw beds), carrying water buckets, feed bags. Leading and handling (spirited) thoroughbreds big and small. This is a physical job.
- Grooming.
- Feeding, checking troughs, electric fences etc in field.
- Reliable, level-headed & trustworthy.
- Confidence and autonomy to be responsible for the horses when the owners are away from home. Including making a call on when the vet etc needs called-in.
- Keen eye to notice potential injury dangers in the field/stable etc.
- Understanding and adherence of biosecurity specific to breeding stock and thoroughbred racing industry.
- Wound and hoof poultice care and management.
- Additional attendance/hours (paid) for farrier, dentist or vet visits etc.
- Desirable skills - experience using a quadbike & trailer and tele-handler/forklift (for muck, hay & straw etc)

No riding or backing is involved in this role.

Please send CV and/or Cover Letter with experience.

(two references - professional or personal linked to horses - will be required)

**Job Type**: Part-time
Part-time hours: 20 per week

**Salary**: £12.00 per hour

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime
- Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Kelso: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- working with horses: 5 years (required)

Work Location: One location

Reference ID: HADSH23
Expected start date: 08/01/2024